Top 4 Benefits of Online RN to BSN Programs

So you earned your RN and have been working as a nurse, but what is all the hype about online RN to BSN programs? And what are the benefits of online RN to BSN programs?  If you’ve chosen nursing as your career path, you already know how rewarding it can be. Fortunately, nursing is also a profession that is quickly growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurse employment will increase by 15% from 2016 to 2022. 

Benefits of Earning an RN to BSN Degree Online

With a positive job outlook and a career that makes a difference, being an RN can seem pretty perfect. You may be asking yourself, why dedicate the time to earning an RN to BSN online degree? Are online nursing programs worth it?

Here are the top 4 benefits of an online RN to BSN program, as shared by graduates of online RN to BSN programs:

1. Increased Flexibility of an RN to BSN Online Program

You are already working full time, possibly taking care of your family and the thought of going back to school and taking RN to BSN courses can be daunting. Fortunately, Chamberlain’s online RN to BSN Option is designed specifically for working nurses like you. One of the benefits of an online RN to BSN program is you can take courses on your schedule and in the comfort of your own home, making it easier to integrate into your busy life.   

“I actually found my time with Chamberlain, it really fit nice because of the fact that with my schedule working in home care, it was very easy to go through my day, finish up my visits, come home, be able to turn on my computer, and I was literally right in with my fellow students. The professors were great, and the fact that the postings and things were very clear, assignments were clear, and they were always available to give assistance when needed. I found it to be a great experience, and very easy to fit into your life.” – Jon A.

“Chamberlain made it awesomely easy to integrate classwork with life, family life, schoolwork, and work. We could log on anytime, anywhere, day or night to do our classwork, post to our lists, do what we need to do and go on with our life.” – Barb M.

2. More Opportunities

Whether it’s making a broader impact on the community or transitioning into a specialty that you are passionate about at a different health system, having an RN to BSN online degree on your resume can help open doors for more career opportunities. According to a 2017 study conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 86.3% of employers are expressing a strong preference for BSN program graduates.

“I feel Chamberlain has given me the opportunity to move up to a management role now, and that’s something I’ve been wanting for a long time. Finally, Chamberlain has opened that door, and I’m really excited.” – Marisol C.

“Chamberlain made my dream a reality by offering a high quality, well-respected education that was within reach. The coursework applied directly to my day-to-day work, and I have grown exponentially as a leader because of my studies.” – Donna C.

3. Preparation for the Future

Get ahead of the curve now. More and more hospitals are hiring BSN holders first or only hiring BSN holders. In addition, there has been an ongoing national discussion around “BSN in 10” laws, which require nurses to earn a BSN within 10 years of earning their licensure as an RN. This bill has come up for debate over the last several years and has support from the American Association of the College of Nursing, state nursing organizations and nursing schools. With the topic of BSN nurses on the forefront, it’s best to get prepared now to elevate yourself and enroll in an online RN to BSN program sooner rather than later.

“The future is extremely bright. I have so many choices out there. I always thought being a nurse I would just work in a hospital. Chamberlain opens the door to so many types of careers in nursing it’s just unbelievable. There's so much that you can do, so much that you can see. Travel the world and it's all there at your fingertips when you graduate.” – Karen T.

“When I graduated with my BSN, I did not realize how important that diploma would be. It allowed me to become the nurse I hoped I would be, but also granted me opportunities to work in administration and have an impact on the newest nurses coming into the healthcare field.” – Maureen B.

4. Better Outcomes

The American Association of the Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has conducted extensive research that shows higher education makes a difference in clinical outcomes. Nurses with a BSN are better prepared for critical thinking, leadership and case management thus improving patient outcomes -- one of many benefits of an online RN to BSN program.

“All of the educators have been extremely helpful throughout my journey and the information I am learning has been pertinent to my current career; I have been able to apply what I am learning to my daily practice in order to enhance patient care.” – Anonymous Chamberlain Online RN to BSN student

“Having a BSN degree has helped me in my career path and has improved my ability to provide excellent care to our patients. I’m excited to see what the nursing profession will look like a decade from today." – Laura G.

So are online nursing programs worth it? Yes. As an RN, earning your BSN can be fulfilling and can help prepare you for the next step in your career. Learn more about Chamberlain’s online RN to BSN Option today!

By Sunita Rao-Fogt